We spent the whole of last Saturday meandering around beautiful LA  neighborhoods, guided by the coolest couple in town, my stepson and his girlfriend. From their apartment in North Hollywood we hopped on the metro to Silver Lake, marveling at the stores of furniture, clothing, books, shoes and art, …when suddenly our guides mentioned a spice store…

You know what happens when a dog’s laying around in a pleasant state, minding his own business,  and someone drops the word “cookie” in  a conversation? The ears pop up, the head twists, and the inquisitive eyes tell it all: “Cookie? Did someone say … cookie”?

I didn’t wag my tail, but I was ready to “woof!”  It wasn’t easy to control my enthusiasm  because, after all, I’d left all my spices – three drawers of spices– 1,345 miles behind.  And I needed a whiff of at least the basic aromas.  Having visited Penzey’s in the Bay Area, I didn’t expect to be awed, but I underestimated:   Spice Station is a fragrant dream of a store!

Inside a hidden courtyard, with doors wide open,  enticing smells waft around and invite you to step inside and enjoy what they have to offer.  Do you like masala  mixes? I thought I knew them all, but a couple of theirs were new to me. Have you heard of Urfa Biber?  I hadn’t.  Care for special salts?  You’re in for a treat of smoked and infused salts that you can sample at will   (I brought home smoked Yakima Applewood).  Dried peppers, curry mixes,  barbecue rubs, endless herbs, seeds, pods, and a huge selection of teas.  They sell a rare Chinese white green tea,  “pai mu tan, ” that’s hard to find except from special tea importers (it’s my favorite!).

Not only does the Spice Station carry an amazing stock, but they’re all elegantly displayed in beautiful bottles,  perfectly spaced on charming wooden shelves. The owners and staff are super friendly, knowledgeable, fun to chat with… and  patient!  The poor guy in charge of my order didn’t even blink at my long list of spices.    He stood by the balance, weighing away, writing and labeling and moving to the next spice… and the next… and the next….

Between tasting, choosing and chatting the time flew by,   but, in this lovely  environment the gentlemen didn’t seem to mind…  😉

So if you’re a spice lover then stop by Spice Station next time you’re in LA.   If you’re far from LaLa-Land, then take a look at their Etsy store for your next order.  I’ll be back by again and again…  there’s a Vintage Merlot salt that’s calling my name!    😉

SPICE STATION
3819 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-2565

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